This morning I stumbled upon a gem for literacy leaders from Michael Bungay Stanier's book Do More Great Work.  It's the season when many teachers and specialists are asked to take on new projects and mentoring tasks.  In the chapter "How to Say No When You Can't Say No," the author recommends that you first thank your colleague for asking you to do the new project.  (A gracious start is always a good way to launch a sticky conversation.)  You then might ask a few questions to slow down the process and think through the new work together. His suggestions include:
 
May I ask why you're asking me?
 
Have you asked anyone else?
 
Have you considered asking X? She's got some experience with this.
 
When you say "urgent," what does that mean?  What's the latest it can be done by?
 
How much time will this take?
 
If I could do only part of this, what part would you like me to do?
 
What does "finished" look like for this?
 
Have you checked this out with my boss?
 
How does this fit with our three key priorities for this week/month/year?
 
What should I not do so I can do this?
 
                            (Excerpt from Do More Great Work, p. 90-91)
 
 
The bad thing about publishing these questions in the Big Fresh is that everyone from the Choice Literacy office staff proofreads the newsletter.  Now they are going to be peppering me with these questions every time I ask for help with a new project!  But isn't that as it should be?  It's a gift to supervisors (though they may not realize it at the time) to be forced to slow down and think through how new work fits in with other priorities, and how additional responsibilities might affect others in an organization.  
 
I highly recommend Do More Great Work if you're looking for a little book with a tremendous amount of practical punch to share with colleagues or your leadership team.  Michael Bungay Stanier has packed the book with lots of exercises to get leaders thinking about their heroes, values, quirks and needs in a way that can help any team build unity and purpose. . .and it is a fun read.
 
This week we have a terrific article from the archives to help you consider the experiences of struggling readers meeting with numerous adults throughout the week.  Plus more as always - enjoy!
 

Brenda Power
Editor, Choice Literacy
 
 
 
Free for All

 
From the Choice Literacy Archives, Franki Sibberson writes about the challenges struggling readers face when they are meeting with different adults and reading random texts all day long.  Her essay "Aligning Curriculum with Struggling Readers in Mind" has thoughtful focus questions for a support team to consider as they work through scheduling in the fall:
 
http://www.choiceliteracy.com/public/643.cfm
 
The post "Stop the Busywork" from Michael Bungay Stanier's "Great Work Blog" is a list of seven easy strategies you can try today to reduce busywork, and in the process find more meaning and purpose in your work:
 
http://bit.ly/bojowH
 
If you're rethinking your classroom design at the last minute, you'll appreciate these suggestions on organizing space from the Catching Readers Before They Fall blog.  I love their creative tip on how to acquire dirt cheap dry erase boards:
 
http://bit.ly/cjd64E
 
Are you headed to Orlando this fall for NCTE?  Come a day early and attend a Choice Literacy Workshop.  Presenters include Gail Boushey & Joan Moser ("The Sisters"), Franki Sibberson, Jennifer Allen, Clare Landrigan, and Tammy Mulligan.  You can download a description of the event and registration form at this link.  This is a two-page PDF file:
 
http://www.choiceliteracy.com/orlando2010.pdf
 
 
For Members Only


Those "outdoorsy" boys who love to fish and four-wheel all summer long can be a challenge to hook with books when they return to classrooms in the fall.  This month's Book Matchmaker feature presents a video preview of new titles to entice these intermediate readers, as well as a print supplement of additional suggestions:
 
http://www.choiceliteracy.com/members/1252.cfm
 
Every year teachers face the dilemma of deciding when and how families should participate in classroom activities.  Trish Prentice explains how she creates an environment where parents are welcome and encouraged to participate.  She also shares why she draws the line at including them in academic instruction:
 
http://www.choiceliteracy.com/members/1251.cfm
 
We conclude our video series with Katie Doherty using "The Wrath of Guess Jeans" to explore issues of conformity in middle school.  This week's installment includes a wrap-up discussion. This is the third installment in a three-part video series, with catch-up links if you missed earlier installments:
 
http://www.choiceliteracy.com/members/1254.cfm
 
We have a video bonus this week from Katie.  Quick Takes are one or two minute interviews with Choice Literacy Contributors addressing specific classroom issues.  In Writing Workshop Timers, Katie Doherty explains why she finds a timer is helpful in middle school writing workshop for increasing productivity, especially with reluctant writers:
 
http://www.choiceliteracy.com/members/1242.cfm
 
Video Updates:  We continue to repost many videos in new formats and players (with higher resolution and full-screen options).  As we make these improvements, we'll announce them in the newsletter. Here is an updated video you may want to revisit if you are rearranging supplies in your guided reading area -
 
"The Sisters" (Joan Moser and Gail Boushey) help first-grade teacher Kelly Yahr think through how to store books and other guided reading supplies in a way that provides easier access:
 
http://www.choiceliteracy.com/members/1255.cfm
 
 
That's all for this week!
 
 

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